Australia’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has confirmed new environmental controls under the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS) for six chemical groups, with implementation staggered between 2026 and 2027.
Background
IChEMS is Australia’s national framework for managing industrial chemical risks, categorising substances into seven schedules based on environmental concern. Schedules 6 and 7 denote the highest risk levels.
Key Schedule Updates
- Schedule 6: Decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) – effective 1 Jan 2027; Mercury and mercury compounds – effective 1 Jul 2026.
- Schedule 5: 1,2-Dibromoethane and MMT – effective 1 Jan 2026.
- Schedule 4: 1,2-Dichloroethane – effective 1 Jan 2026.
- Schedule 2: Aryl sulfonate hydrotropes – effective 1 Jan 2026.
Restrictions & Exemptions
DBDPE and mercury compounds face broad bans, with limited essential-use exemptions in sectors like defence, aerospace, and lighting. Trace contamination thresholds are set at 10 mg/kg for substances and 500 mg/kg for articles. Users must maintain records, disclose content, and comply with disposal and reporting obligations.
Future Priorities
DCCEEW’s 2025/26 workplan targets additional substances for potential scheduling, including BPA, PFAS variants, phthalates, and lead compounds. The aim is to regulate chemical groups collectively to avoid regrettable substitutions.
Need Support?
H2 Compliance is here to help. Our team of regulatory experts can guide you through the latest IChEMS control requirements and answer any questions you may have.
Published October 14th, 2025
Article and image were generated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence.